Yummy Egyptian Lentil Soup recipe, I can take this everyday.....
Yummy Egyptian Lentil Soup recipe, I can take this everyday..... is a easy Egyptian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Maple Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $2.54 total, $0.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (about 150 g, diced)
- 1 medium Carrot (about 100 g, diced)
- 1 cup Red Lentils (rinsed and soaked 30 min)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 large Tomato (about 150 g, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes))
- 4 cups Hot Water (approximately 960 ml)
- 0.25 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat, stirred)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 0.25 teaspoon Chili Flakes
Instructions
Soak Lentils
Rinse the red lentils, place them in a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Prepare Aromatics
Peel and mince the garlic, dice the onion and carrot into uniform pieces.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Butter and Aromatics
Heat the butter in the pot over medium heat, add garlic, onion, and carrot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Lentils and Toast
Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot, stirring for 1 minute to lightly toast.
Time: PT1M
Add Spices
Sprinkle turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture and stir for another minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Tomato
Stir in the diced tomato (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for 2 minutes until the tomato begins to break down.
Time: PT2M
Add Water and Simmer
Pour in 4 cups of hot water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium‑low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Time: PT20M
Blend Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth (or transfer to a countertop blender in batches).
Time: PT3M
Finish and Garnish
Stir in the coconut milk, taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped coriander and a pinch of chili flakes.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Can be made Vegan by substituting butter with oil
Allergens: Dairy (butter), Coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: Leek, Shallot
- Instead of Carrot: Sweet potato (½ cup diced)
- Instead of Red Lentils: Yellow split peas
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Ground coriander (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Tomato: Canned crushed tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Heavy cream, Almond milk
- Instead of Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh parsley
- Instead of Chili Flakes: Cayenne pepper (a pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Immersion Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the lentils for 30 minutes
- Sautéing the aromatics without burning
- Simmering the lentils until fully tender
- Blending the hot soup safely
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Toast the spices a second time after adding the tomato for extra aroma.
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts for added texture.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Add a little more hot water or broth, ¼ cup at a time, and blend again.
Soup is too thin
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a handful of red lentils and cook a few more minutes.
Flavor is bland
Adjust salt, add an extra pinch of cumin or paprika, and finish with a splash more coconut milk.
Aromatics burned
Reduce heat, add a splash of water, and start over with fresh aromatics.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup tastes even better the next day; refrigerate and reheat gently on low heat.
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Egyptian Lentil Soup in Egyptian cuisine?
Lentil soup, known as "Shorbat Ads" in Egypt, is a staple comfort food often served during Ramadan and family gatherings. It reflects Egypt’s long tradition of using legumes as affordable, nutritious staples.
What are the traditional regional variations of Egyptian Lentil Soup in the Middle Eastern region?
In coastal Egypt, the soup may include a drizzle of olive oil and lemon, while in the Nile Delta version, cumin and coriander are emphasized. Other Middle Eastern countries add yogurt or mint for a different twist.
What is the authentic traditional way Egyptian Lentil Soup is served in Egypt?
It is traditionally served hot, garnished with fresh coriander, a splash of coconut or olive oil, and accompanied by warm pita bread or rice. A side of pickled vegetables is also common.
What occasions or celebrations is Egyptian Lentil Soup traditionally associated with in Egyptian culture?
The soup is especially popular during Ramadan for breaking the fast, as well as at family luncheons and modest celebrations where a warm, nourishing dish is desired.
How does Egyptian Lentil Soup fit into the broader Egyptian cuisine tradition?
Egyptian cuisine relies heavily on legumes, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This soup showcases those core ingredients, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and comforting flavors typical of Egyptian home cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Egyptian Lentil Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include red lentils, butter or ghee, garlic, onion, carrot, tomato, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, and sometimes coconut milk. Substitutes can be olive oil for butter, almond milk for coconut milk, and smoked paprika for regular paprika.
What other Egyptian dishes pair well with Egyptian Lentil Soup?
Pair it with Egyptian flatbread (eish baladi), a simple fattoush salad, or a side of ful medames for a hearty vegetarian meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Egyptian Lentil Soup at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the aromatics so they turn bitter, not soaking the lentils which leads to uneven texture, and blending the soup without venting, which can cause hot splatters.
Why does this Egyptian Lentil Soup recipe use butter instead of olive oil?
Butter adds a rich, silky mouthfeel that is traditional in many Egyptian home kitchens, while olive oil would give a lighter, fruitier note. Both work, but butter preserves the authentic richness.
Can I make Egyptian Lentil Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead; cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Egyptian Lentil Soup?
The soup should be smooth and creamy with a deep orange‑red hue from the tomatoes and spices. It should coat the back of a spoon without being grainy.
How do I know when Egyptian Lentil Soup is done cooking?
When the lentils are fully softened and break apart easily when pressed with a spoon, and the flavors have melded after the 15‑20 minute simmer, the soup is ready for blending.
What does the YouTube channel Maple Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Maple Kitchen focuses on approachable home‑cooking recipes that blend comfort food with wholesome ingredients, often highlighting international dishes made accessible for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Maple Kitchen's approach to Egyptian cooking differ from other Middle Eastern cooking channels?
Maple Kitchen emphasizes clear step‑by‑step visuals, metric and US measurements, and practical tips for ingredient swaps, making Egyptian dishes like this lentil soup easier for North American home cooks compared to more traditional, technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
